Georgia CommonsSR 1105: Central United Methodist Church; recognize and commend
Last action April 2, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes and commends Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta on its 160th anniversary, honoring its history as one of the city's oldest Black congregations.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It traces the history of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta, from its founding as a church mission in 1866 through its various name changes, relocations, and its role as the birthplace of what became Clark Atlanta University and Gammon Theological Seminary. The resolution formally recognizes the church's history, commends its 160 years of service to its community, and wishes it continued success. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the church. The resolution creates no new rules, funding, or legal requirements.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes the 160th anniversary of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
- Commends the church for its history of religious, civic, and educational leadership.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the church.
- Creates no new law, funding, or enforceable requirement, since it is a ceremonial resolution.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta and its congregation. It has no broader legal effect on other churches, institutions, or Georgia residents generally.
Why it matters
The resolution has no practical or legal effect on Georgians beyond the honor itself. Its significance is symbolic, marking public recognition by the Georgia Senate of a historic Atlanta church tied to civil rights history and the founding of Clark Atlanta University.
Key provisions
- The resolution recounts the church's founding in 1866 and its early names, including Clark Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church.
- It notes the church's basement hosted early classes for what became Clark Atlanta University and Gammon Theological Seminary.
- The resolving clause formally commends the church's 160 years of service and wishes it continued success.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to the church.
From the bill
“Central, "The Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart," is considered the oldest Black Methodist church in the City of Atlanta.”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
- Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
Topics
- commemorative resolution
- Atlanta history
- Central United Methodist Church
- civil rights history